[http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/about/membership/index.cfm ACRL has something for everyone.] There are currently seventeen sections of ACRL, each offering unique opportunities. Once you join a section, you’ll start receiving communication from them including newsletters and announcements. By familiarizing yourself with the goals and current activities of each section, you can be better informed about the direction of your career. Also, each section hosts events and meetings during both Midwinter and Annual conference.

+

If your library school doesn’t already have one, you can start one! The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign set up the first student chapter [http://acrl.lis.illinois.edu/acrl.html] in 2004. By organizing an ACRL chapter, you can arrange for guest speakers to address pertinent issues, promoting discussion and networking opportunities. You’ll also get the opportunity to showcase your leadership skills.

[[http://www.ala.org/acrl/aboutacrl/directoryofleadership/sections ACRL has something for everyone.] There are currently seventeen sections of ACRL, each offering unique opportunities. Once you join a section, you’ll start receiving communication from them including newsletters and announcements. By familiarizing yourself with the goals and current activities of each section, you can be better informed about the direction of your career. Also, each section hosts events and meetings during both Midwinter and Annual conference.

+

+

'''3. [http://www.ala.org/acrl/conferences Attend conferences.]'''

Conference attendance can be rewarding for your professional development as well as your social life. Meet other library school students, as well as new librarians. Conferences sponsor a wide range of activities including committee meetings, presentations, discussion groups and social events. Unless a meeting says that it is closed, feel free to attend. Introduce yourself to the chair and others in attendance. Networking can also provide the opportunity to ask the questions that weren’t answered in library school.

Conference attendance can be rewarding for your professional development as well as your social life. Meet other library school students, as well as new librarians. Conferences sponsor a wide range of activities including committee meetings, presentations, discussion groups and social events. Unless a meeting says that it is closed, feel free to attend. Introduce yourself to the chair and others in attendance. Networking can also provide the opportunity to ask the questions that weren’t answered in library school.

'''3. Make it local.'''

'''3. Make it local.'''

−

In addition to the national organization, there are 42 state [http://www.acrl.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/about/chapters/index.cfm ACRL chapters]. By getting involved locally, you can meet librarians in your region in an environment where you can be more visible. Watch for calls for proposals, this is a great chance for you to try out your new ideas and presentation skills.

+

In addition to the national organization, there are 42 state [http://www.ala.org/acrl/aboutacrl/directoryofleadership/chapters ACRL chapters]. By getting involved locally, you can meet librarians in your region in an environment where you can be more visible. Watch for calls for proposals, this is a great chance for you to try out your new ideas and presentation skills.

'''4. Go virtual.'''

'''4. Go virtual.'''

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Join the discussion by reading [http://www.acrlblog.org/ ACRLog], a blog the often addresses issues pertinent and pressing in academia. By reading what others in the profession are saying, you’ll steep yourself in the issues, informing your professional development. And don’t be shy! When you’re ready, share your comments. Experienced librarians are always asking what’s on the mind of new graduates. Second, many of the sections have listservs. The Instruction Section [http://www.ala.org/ala/acrlbucket/is/ilil.cfm ILI-L] has a particularly active one.

+

Join the discussion by reading [http://acrlog.org/ ACRLog], a blog the often addresses issues pertinent and pressing in academia. By reading what others in the profession are saying, you’ll steep yourself in the issues, informing your professional development. And don’t be shy! When you’re ready, share your comments. Experienced librarians are always asking what’s on the mind of new graduates. Second, many of the sections have listservs. The Instruction Section [http://www.ala.org/acrl/aboutacrl/directoryofleadership/sections/is/ilil ILI-L] has a particularly active one.

'''5. Step up!'''

'''5. Step up!'''

There are committees who look for interns on committees, volunteer your time. This may mean taking the minutes, but it gets you noticed as someone who’s willing to step up and get the job done. By investing in the work that’s being done, you’ll foster relationships as well as be provided with opportunities for mentoring.

There are committees who look for interns on committees, volunteer your time. This may mean taking the minutes, but it gets you noticed as someone who’s willing to step up and get the job done. By investing in the work that’s being done, you’ll foster relationships as well as be provided with opportunities for mentoring.

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== What are the benefits of getting involved in ACRL? ==

+

What are the benefits of getting involved in ACRL? Professional development is essential in the academic arena. Showing your enthusiasm early, while you are still in library school, is sure to get you noticed. By looking for ways to contribute to the profession you are learning to walk the walk and talk the talk. You never know who will be on your future search committee for that perfect job. ACRL provides opportunities for members to grow as academic librarians, find your niche!

−

Professional development is essential in the academic arena. Showing your enthusiasm early, while you are still in library school, is sure to get you noticed. By looking for ways to contribute to the profession you are learning to walk the walk and talk the talk. You never know who will be on your future search committee for that perfect job. ACRL provides opportunities for members to grow as academic librarians, find your niche! <br>

+

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== ACRL New Members Discussion Group ==

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ACRL New Members Discussion Group

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''Q. What is the ACRL New Member Discussion Group?''<br>

+

Q. What is the ACRL New Member Discussion Group?

−

A: The ACRL New Member Discussion group is for new (and aspiring) academic librarians. We meet twice a year--at both ALA conferences--to chat about whatever is on our minds. It's an opportunity for networking and a friendly place to ask any questions you have about succeeding in ACRL. Both new and experienced ACRL members are encouraged to come and participate. <br>

+

A: The ACRL New Member Discussion group is for new (and aspiring) academic librarians. We meet twice a year--at both ALA conferences--to chat about whatever is on our minds. It's an opportunity for networking and a friendly place to ask any questions you have about succeeding in ACRL. Both new and experienced ACRL members are encouraged to come and participate.

+

Q. Why a discussion group?

+

A. The idea is to provide an informal setting where newbie librarians can pick the brains of more seasoned ACRL members and get the dirt on how everything really works. A discussion group seemed like the logical forum for that. Instead of listening to a presentation or lecture, the new members could get their questions about ACRL (or related topics) answered.

+

Q. What do we do at ALA Annual and Midwinter?

+

A. THE ACRL NMDG meets regularly at ALA Annual and Midwinter. Future discussion topics are up to the members.

+

Q. What is a round table discussion?

+

A. Round table discussions are an opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss timely issues at the conference. Each round table discussion is sponsored by an ALA division or section. This one is sponsored by the ACRL New Members Discussion Group.

+

Q. What does it cost to join?

+

A. Nothing! The New Member Discussion Group is free. Look for us in the program at Annual and Midwinter.

+

Q. What is our relationship with NMRT?

+

A. We are not sponsored by the New Members Roundtable of ALA. You do

+

not have to be a member of NMRT to join our discussions at

+

conferences (although many of us do belong to NMRT). If you would like to join NMRT....

+

http://www.ala.org/nmrt/popularresources/getinvolved/joinnmrt

−

''Q. Why a discussion group?''<br>

+

Past discussions:

−

A. The idea is to provide an informal setting where newbie librarians can pick the brains of more seasoned ACRL members and get the dirt on how everything really works. A discussion group seemed like the logical forum for that. Instead of listening to a presentation or lecture, the new members could get their questions about ACRL (or related topics) answered.<br>

+

Annual 2007

−

+

−

''Q. What do we do at ALA Annual and Midwinter?''<br>

+

−

A. THE ACRL NMDG meets regularly at ALA Annual and Midwinter. Future discussion topics are up to the members.<br>

+

−

+

−

''Q. What is a round table discussion?''<br>

+

−

A. Round table discussions are an opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss timely issues at the conference. Each round table discussion is sponsored by an ALA division or section. This one is sponsored by the ACRL New Members Discussion Group.<br>

+

−

+

−

''Q. What does it cost to join?''<br>

+

−

A. Nothing! The New Member Discussion Group is free. Look for us in the program at Annual and Midwinter.<br>

+

−

+

−

''Q. What is our relationship with NMRT?''<br>

+

−

A. We are not sponsored by the New Members Roundtable of ALA. You do not have to be a member of NMRT to join our discussions at

+

−

conferences (although many of us do belong to NMRT). [http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/getinvolved/joinnmrt.htm Click here] to to join NMRT.<br>

Discussion centered around the ins and outs of career advancement and how to take advantage of personal opportunities.

Discussion centered around the ins and outs of career advancement and how to take advantage of personal opportunities.

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<br>

−

Midwinter 2007 <br>

−

Topic: The new librarian: a discussion of the latest job titles and changing responsibilities for academic librarians. What skills do you need to succeed in an evolving workplace? Academic librarians in newly-created positions with unique responsibilities shared their experiences. We also addressed some basic questions about conference attendance issue for new members.

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<br>

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''Do you have a suggestion for a discussion topic? We’d love to hear from you! After all, it’s your group. <br>''

+

Midwinter 2007

+

Topic: The new librarian: a discussion of the latest job titles and changing responsibilities for academic librarians. What skills do you need to succeed in an evolving workplace? Academic librarians in newly-created positions with unique responsibilities shared their experiences. We also addressed some basic questions about conference attendance issue for new members.

−

Contact:

+

Do you have a suggestion for a discussion topic? We’d love to hear from you! After all, it’s your group. Contact Merinda Hensley (Convener, 2007-2008) mhensle1@uiuc.edu.

−

'''Merinda Kaye Hensley<br>'''

+

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Visiting Assistant Instructional Services Librarian<br>

+

−

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign<br>

+

−

mhensle1@illinois.edu<br>

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−

217-244-1880<br>

+

−

----

+

Merinda Kaye Hensley

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[http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/ACRL_New_Member_Wiki ACRL New Member Wiki]<br>

+

Visiting Assistant Instructional Services Librarian

−

[http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/Main_Page Main ACRL Wiki]

+

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

+

Mhensle1@uiuc.edu

+

217-244-1880

Latest revision as of 08:10, 19 April 2012

Top Five Ways to Get Involved in ACRL as a Library Student

1. Create an ACRL student chapter.
If your library school doesn’t already have one, you can start one! The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign set up the first student chapter [1] in 2004. By organizing an ACRL chapter, you can arrange for guest speakers to address pertinent issues, promoting discussion and networking opportunities. You’ll also get the opportunity to showcase your leadership skills.

2. Join the national organization.
[ACRL has something for everyone. There are currently seventeen sections of ACRL, each offering unique opportunities. Once you join a section, you’ll start receiving communication from them including newsletters and announcements. By familiarizing yourself with the goals and current activities of each section, you can be better informed about the direction of your career. Also, each section hosts events and meetings during both Midwinter and Annual conference.

3. Attend conferences.
Conference attendance can be rewarding for your professional development as well as your social life. Meet other library school students, as well as new librarians. Conferences sponsor a wide range of activities including committee meetings, presentations, discussion groups and social events. Unless a meeting says that it is closed, feel free to attend. Introduce yourself to the chair and others in attendance. Networking can also provide the opportunity to ask the questions that weren’t answered in library school.

3. Make it local.
In addition to the national organization, there are 42 state ACRL chapters. By getting involved locally, you can meet librarians in your region in an environment where you can be more visible. Watch for calls for proposals, this is a great chance for you to try out your new ideas and presentation skills.

4. Go virtual.
Join the discussion by reading ACRLog, a blog the often addresses issues pertinent and pressing in academia. By reading what others in the profession are saying, you’ll steep yourself in the issues, informing your professional development. And don’t be shy! When you’re ready, share your comments. Experienced librarians are always asking what’s on the mind of new graduates. Second, many of the sections have listservs. The Instruction Section ILI-L has a particularly active one.

5. Step up!
There are committees who look for interns on committees, volunteer your time. This may mean taking the minutes, but it gets you noticed as someone who’s willing to step up and get the job done. By investing in the work that’s being done, you’ll foster relationships as well as be provided with opportunities for mentoring.

What are the benefits of getting involved in ACRL? Professional development is essential in the academic arena. Showing your enthusiasm early, while you are still in library school, is sure to get you noticed. By looking for ways to contribute to the profession you are learning to walk the walk and talk the talk. You never know who will be on your future search committee for that perfect job. ACRL provides opportunities for members to grow as academic librarians, find your niche!

ACRL New Members Discussion Group
Q. What is the ACRL New Member Discussion Group?
A: The ACRL New Member Discussion group is for new (and aspiring) academic librarians. We meet twice a year--at both ALA conferences--to chat about whatever is on our minds. It's an opportunity for networking and a friendly place to ask any questions you have about succeeding in ACRL. Both new and experienced ACRL members are encouraged to come and participate.
Q. Why a discussion group?
A. The idea is to provide an informal setting where newbie librarians can pick the brains of more seasoned ACRL members and get the dirt on how everything really works. A discussion group seemed like the logical forum for that. Instead of listening to a presentation or lecture, the new members could get their questions about ACRL (or related topics) answered.
Q. What do we do at ALA Annual and Midwinter?
A. THE ACRL NMDG meets regularly at ALA Annual and Midwinter. Future discussion topics are up to the members.
Q. What is a round table discussion?
A. Round table discussions are an opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss timely issues at the conference. Each round table discussion is sponsored by an ALA division or section. This one is sponsored by the ACRL New Members Discussion Group.
Q. What does it cost to join?
A. Nothing! The New Member Discussion Group is free. Look for us in the program at Annual and Midwinter.
Q. What is our relationship with NMRT?
A. We are not sponsored by the New Members Roundtable of ALA. You do
not have to be a member of NMRT to join our discussions at
conferences (although many of us do belong to NMRT). If you would like to join NMRT....
http://www.ala.org/nmrt/popularresources/getinvolved/joinnmrt

Past discussions:
Annual 2007
Topic: Guest discussion leaders Brian Mathews (Georgia Tech) and Crit Stuart (ARL) discussed the theme, "Too Shy or Too Shameless?: Finding a Balance in Personal PR.”
Discussion centered around the ins and outs of career advancement and how to take advantage of personal opportunities.

Midwinter 2007
Topic: The new librarian: a discussion of the latest job titles and changing responsibilities for academic librarians. What skills do you need to succeed in an evolving workplace? Academic librarians in newly-created positions with unique responsibilities shared their experiences. We also addressed some basic questions about conference attendance issue for new members.

Do you have a suggestion for a discussion topic? We’d love to hear from you! After all, it’s your group. Contact Merinda Hensley (Convener, 2007-2008) mhensle1@uiuc.edu.